In a significant moment for Nigeria’s judiciary, President Bola Tinubu on Friday swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The ceremony, held at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, signifies a historic step as Justice Kekere-Ekun assumes this esteemed role, pending Senate confirmation.
The ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, where Justice Kekere-Ekun took her oath at 11:38 a.m. and officially assumed her new role shortly after. Her appointment follows the recent retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and comes after her nomination by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15, 2024.
Notably, Justice Kekere-Ekun is the second woman in Nigeria’s history to hold the position of Chief Justice, following in the footsteps of Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar. Her appointment is viewed as both a continuation of the progressive reforms initiated by her predecessor and a significant milestone for female representation within the judiciary.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, and former CJN Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Their presence highlighted the significance of this leadership change.
As Justice Kekere-Ekun takes on this important role, people hope she will lead the judiciary honestly and keep the courts independent.
SKJ 
NewsGlobal Reporters 
NGI